Exploring Certainty

Exploring Certainty
Author: Robert Greenleaf Brice
Publisher: Lexington Books
Total Pages: 133
Release: 2014-03-06
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 073917567X

Ludwig Wittgenstein’s On Certainty explores a myriad of new and important ideas regarding our notions of belief, knowledge, skepticism, and certainty. During the course of his exploration, Wittgenstein makes a fascinating new discovery about certitude, namely, that it is categorically distinct from knowledge. As his investigation advances, he recognizes that certainty must be non-propositional and non-ratiocinated; borne out not in the things we say, but in our actions, our deeds. Many philosophers working outside of epistemology recognized Wittgenstein's insights and determined that his work's abrupt end might serve as an excellent launching point for still further philosophical expeditions. In Exploring Certainty: Wittgenstein and Wide Fields of Thought, Robert Greenleaf Bricesurveys some of this rich topography. Wittgenstein's writings serve as a point of departure for Brice's own ideas about certainty. He shows how Wittgenstein's rough and unpolished notion of certitude might be smoothed out and refined in a way to benefit studies of morality, aesthetics, cognitive science, philosophy of mathematics. Brice's work opens new avenues of thought for scholars and students of the Wittgensteinian tradition, while introducing original philosophies concerning issues central to human knowledge and cognition.

Journey to Certainty

Journey to Certainty
Author: Anyen Rinpoche
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2012-05-15
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1614290091

Approachable yet sophisticated, this book takes the reader on a gently guided tour of one of the most important texts Tibetan Buddhism has to offer. "Certainty" in this context refers to the unshakeable trust that develops as meditators discover for themselves the true root of reality. In this authoritative presentation, master teacher Anyen Rinpoche opens wide the storehouse of this richly philosophical text in a way that lets readers of all backgrounds easily benefit.

Certainty

Certainty
Author: Madeleine Thien
Publisher: Vintage Canada
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2016-10-18
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1551991616

Madeleine Thien’s stunning debut novel fulfills all her early promise and introduces a young novelist of vision, maturity, and style. Gail Lim, a producer of radio documentaries in present-day Vancouver, finds herself haunted by events in her parents’ past in wartorn Asia, a past which remains a mystery that fiercely grips her imagination. As a child, Gail’s father, Matthew Lim, wandered the Leila Road and the jungle fringe with his lovely Ani, a girl whose early bond with Matthew will affect his life always. As children, they found themselves together under the terrifying shadow of war in Japanese-occupied Sandakan, Malaysia. The war shatters their families and splits the two apart until years later, when they remeet only to be separated again. The legacy of their connection is later inherited by Matthew’s wife, Clara, in unexpected ways. Gail’s journey to unravel the mystery of her parents’ lives takes her to Amsterdam, where she meets the war photographer Sipke, who tells his story of Ani and their relationship, which began in Jakarta, a story that will bring Gail face to face with the complications in her own life and lead her closer to the truth. Vivid, poignant, wise, at once sweeping and intimate, Certainty is a novel about the legacies of loss, about the dislocations of war and the redemptive qualities of love. Thien reveals herself as a novelist of rare and potent talent.

Wittgenstein's On Certainty: Insight and Method

Wittgenstein's On Certainty: Insight and Method
Author: Robert Greenleaf Brice
Publisher: Springer Nature
Total Pages: 110
Release: 2022-02-01
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 3030907813

This book considers the important twentieth century Austrian philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and his conception of certainty. In his work entitled On Certainty, Wittgenstein provides not only a brilliant solution to a previously intractable philosophical problem, but also the elements of an entirely new way of approaching this and similar longstanding, apparently unresolvable, problems. In On Certainty, he re-conceives the problem of radical skepticism–the claim that we can never really be certain of anything except the contents of our own minds–as a kind of philosophical “disease” of thought. His approach to the problem, which is emphasized in the book, is similar to the treatment of disease, has two main goals: (1) bring about an awareness in the philosopher that this kind of extreme skepticism is not a methodological approach to be taken seriously, and, with this awareness, (2) an attempt to replace this radical skepticism with a practical, Common Sense framework. Implicit in Wittgenstein’s approach are a number of strategies found in a contemporary approach to psychotherapy known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These strategies, along with philosophical methods and scientific practices rooted in the Scottish School of Common Sense, seek to diagnose and treat irrational thoughts and beliefs that often emerge (and re-emerge) in the discipline of philosophy. The aim of this book, then, is to provide students of philosophy with the tools necessary to adjust and reshape these irrational, self-defeating thoughts and beliefs into something new, something healthy.

The Certainty of Uncertainty

The Certainty of Uncertainty
Author: Mark A. Schaefer
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2018-08-23
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 153265345X

The world is full of people who are very certain--in politics, in religion, in all manner of things. In addition, political, religious, and social organizations are marketing certainty as a cure all to all life's problems. But is such certainty possible? Or even good? The Certainty of Uncertainty explores the question of certainty by looking at the reasons human beings crave certainty and the religious responses we frequently fashion to help meet that need. The book takes an in-depth view of religion, language, our senses, our science, and our world to explore the inescapable uncertainties they reveal. We find that the certainty we crave does not exist. As we reflect on the unavoidable uncertainties in our world, we come to understand that letting go of certainty is not only necessary, it's beneficial. For, in embracing doubt and uncertainty, we find a more meaningful and courageous religious faith, a deeper encounter with mystery, and a way to build strong relationships across religious and philosophical lines. In The Certainty of Uncertainty, we see that embracing our belief systems with humility and uncertainty can be transformative for ourselves and for our world.

Moral Certainty and the Foundations of Morality

Moral Certainty and the Foundations of Morality
Author: Neil O'Hara
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 211
Release: 2018-03-15
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 3319754440

What lies at the foundation of our moral beliefs? If we dig down far enough do we find that our moral values have no ground at all to stand on, and so are apt to collapse upon serious philosophical investigation? This book seeks to answer these and related questions by positing an indubitable foundation for our moral beliefs – they arise from the phenomenon of ‘primary recognition’, and are fundamentally shaped by ‘basic moral certainties’. Drawing on philosophers such as Ludwig Wittgenstein and Knud Ejler Løgstrup, this book draws together insights from both Analytic and Continental philosophy to provide a convincing new picture of our moral foundations. And it does so in a way that eschews moral conservativism and opens the way for a rich understanding of the variety and particularity of our human moral systems, while also keeping a significant place for those moral beliefs that occur universally, across cultures.

Moore and Wittgenstein on Certainty

Moore and Wittgenstein on Certainty
Author: Avrum Stroll
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Total Pages: 207
Release: 1994-02-03
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 0195359135

Ludwig Wittgenstein's On Certainty was finished just before his death in 1951 and is a running commentary on three of G.E. Moore's greatest epistemological papers. In the early 1930s, Moore had written a lengthy commentary on Wittgenstein, anticipating some of the issues Wittgenstein would discuss in On Certainty. The philosophical relationship between these two great philosophers and their overlapping, but nevertheless differing, views is the subject of this book. Both defended the existence of certainty and thus opposed any form of skepticism. However, their defenses and conceptions of certainty differed widely, as did their understanding of the nature of skepticism and how best to combat it. Stroll's book contains a careful and critical analysis of their differing approaches to a set of fundamental epistemological problems.

Certainty

Certainty
Author: Victor Bevine
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9781477825457

With America's entry into World War I, the population of Newport, Rhode Island, seems to double overnight as twenty-five thousand rowdy recruits descend on the Naval Training Station. Drinking, prostitution, and other depravities follow the sailors, transforming the upscale town into what many residents?including young lawyer William Bartlett, whose genteel family has lived in Newport for generations?consider to be a moral cesspool. When sailors accuse a beloved local clergyman of sexual impropriety, William feels compelled to fight back. He agrees to defend the minister against the shocking allegations, in the face of dire personal and professional consequences. But when the trial grows increasingly sensational, and when outrageous revelations echo all the way from Newport to the federal government, William must confront more than just the truth?he must confront the very nature of good and evil.

Certainty after the Death of Certainty

Certainty after the Death of Certainty
Author:
Publisher: Bloomsberry
Total Pages: 62
Release: 2020-08-14
Genre: Science
ISBN:

In "Certainty after the Death of Certainty" readers embark on a profound exploration of the evolving nature of truth and belief from the dawn of human consciousness to the complexities of the post-modern era. This thought-provoking book delves into the heart of how our understanding of certainty has been reshaped by cultural, technological, and intellectual revolutions. Beginning with the animistic and anthropomorphic beliefs of our ancestors, the book traces the transformation of human understanding through the structured frameworks of organized religion, the questioning spirit of the Enlightenment, and into the skepticism of post-modernism. It offers a panoramic view of the philosophical and cultural evolution that has led to our current understanding of truth and knowledge. As we venture into the Digital Age, the book critically examines the paradoxes presented by the information era – the abundance of knowledge juxtaposed with the challenges of misinformation and the subjective nature of truth. It provides an insightful analysis of how digital technologies have reshaped our perception of reality, ethics, and identity. "Certainty after the Death of Certainty" also speculates on the future of certainty, considering the impact of AI, virtual reality, and other technological advancements. It poses crucial questions about the ethical and philosophical implications of these changes and the role of human agency in a rapidly evolving world. Each chapter is a blend of historical analysis, philosophical inquiry, and cultural commentary, making the book a compelling read for those interested in philosophy, history, sociology, and the impact of technology on human thought. The inclusion of a comprehensive glossary and an appendix with additional resources offers readers a deeper understanding and further exploration of the topics discussed. This book is not just an academic exploration; it's a guide for navigating the ever-changing landscape of belief and knowledge. It challenges readers to think critically about the information they encounter and to embrace the journey of understanding in a world where certainty is fluid and complex. Ideal for scholars, students, and intellectually curious individuals, "Navigating the Fluidity of Truth" invites you to rethink the nature of truth and certainty in the modern world. Join us on this enlightening journey through the history of human thought and into the possibilities of the future. Review: "Certainty after the Death of Certainty" offers a masterful exploration of the evolution of certainty, tracing its journey from ancient belief systems to the complexities of the modern digital age. The author skillfully navigates through historical, philosophical, and technological realms, providing insightful connections between past and present understandings of truth and knowledge. The book's critical assessment of the Digital Age addresses the paradox of information abundance, delving into the impact of digital technologies on perceptions of truth, ethics, and identity. This nuanced discussion highlights the challenges of discerning truth amidst a deluge of data and competing narratives, making the book particularly relevant in today's context of misinformation. The review praises "Certainty after the Death of Certainty" for its clarity, engaging writing style, and accessibility, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and general readers interested in the philosophical and historical aspects of certainty. The inclusion of a glossary and additional resources enhances the reader's understanding and engagement. Overall, the book is lauded as an essential read for those seeking to navigate the uncertainties of the modern world, offering a thoughtful and comprehensive guide to understanding the evolving nature of truth and knowledge.

Absolute Certainty

Absolute Certainty
Author: Rose Connors
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 299
Release: 2003-05-15
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0743233662

Rose Connors's Mary Higgins Clark Award–winning legal thriller follows Assistant DA Marty Nickerson as she investigates a serial murder in a small Cape Cod town. As an assistant D for Massachusetts's Barnstable County, Marty Nickerson sees her job as a means for doing right. When a jury finds Manuel Rodriguez guilty of a brutal murder committed on a Cape Cod beach at the beginning of last year's tourist season, Marty feels vindicated. But then another body turns up as this year's vacationers begin to arrive and Marty has to wonder: Did they target the wrong man? The DA refuses to reopen the high-profile case, but Marty fears that the real killer will strike again. With her career on the line and lives at stake, she must rely on her own moral compass, legal savvy, and gut instinct as she matches wits with a twisted killer.